NASA Responds to Beyoncé’s Use of Challenger Disaster Audio for Song ‘XO’

Beyoncé’s new song “XO” doesn’t appear to be a hit with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The agency has responded to the song’s use of an audio clip from the disastrous Space Shuttle Challenger launch on Jan. 28, 1986.

“The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” the agency said in a statement. “NASA works everyday to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe.”

A representative for Beyoncé didn’t return a request for comment.

The shuttle was beginning its 10th mission when it exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing its crew of seven. The Beyoncé album includes a few seconds of audio from the aftermath of the explosion in which an announcer says, “Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction.”

For some people who recall the launch broadcast, that snippet of audio reflects a watershed in live television. For many spectators, especially those gathered outside near the launch pad, it wasn’t immediately clear that the ship had exploded. Cameras showed close-ups of spectators, including crew-member relatives, who initially appeared confused but gradually realized what had happened.